Why does the City have a business license program?
Business licenses are required and restrictions imposed by the Lake Oswego
City Code (LOC 20.02). These were enacted to ensure the public's interest by
regulating businesses to make sure they comply with applicable laws and ordinances,
and conduct themselves in a manner that does not detract from the public health,
safety, and welfare. The City administers this program, monitors compliance,
and conducts enforcement as necessary.
Who needs a City of Lake Oswego business license?
Unless specifically exempted by State law, Lake Oswego City Code requires anyone
who conducts business within the City of Lake Oswego to have a business license.
Does that include working out of a home?
Yes. Once the proposed business (home
occupation) complies with City zoning codes, it would need a business license.
What about for door-to-door solicitation?
Solicitation within the City of Lake Oswego requires a business license. For
relatively brief door-to-door activities, a temporary license may be most suited
to a vendor's needs. These cost $25 for one week only, $50 for two weeks.
Both "for-profit" and "non-profit" solicitation require
licensing. "For-profit" soliciting might include sale of magazine
subscriptions, household items, or services of some kind, while "non-profit" solicitation
might involve organizations such as the American Cancer Society or Green Peace
seeking donations.
Also, whether it be one person or a group of twelve, each individual solicitor
is required to carry a copy of the business license while conducting door-to-door
solicitation.
Anyone who conducts door-to-door solicitation within city limits must adhere
to Ordinances 34.16.915 and 34.16.920. These address the rights of residents
and business owners by restricting the hours of solicitation (between 9 a.m.
and 9 p.m. daylight savings time, and only to 8 p.m. during standard time);
and allows residents and businesses to prohibit solicitation through the posting
of a sign that conforms to the requirements of LOC 34.16.945. LOC 34.16.945
states how the sign must read, its size, and where is should be displayed.
Such a sign may be purchased at the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce for a cost
of $5.00. The Chamber is located at 234 B Avenue and the phone number is 503-636-3634.
Where does a person go to apply for a business license?
An applicant may either come to the Finance Department on the first floor of
City Hall and pick up an application, or call (503) 635-0279 to request that
an application be mailed. You can also download
a business license application.
How much will it cost?
Current fees for the initial business license application are:
1-3 employees (including owners) |
$75.00 |
4-10 employees (including owners) |
$105.00 |
11 or more employees (incl. owners) |
$145.00 |
These fees are non-refundable. Business Licenses must be renewed by the indicated expiration
date on the license. A renewal form indicating the renewal
fee will be mailed to current business license holders.
What happens after the fees are paid and the application
is submitted?
Once submitted, the application is routed to various departments for review
and approval. Most applications only require Planning and Building Department
reviews. However, if issues such as health and safety are involved, the Engineering,
Fire, and Police Departments may also review the application.
How long will it take to complete the review process?
While the Ordinance for Business Licensing requires that those applying for
a business license "do so thirty (30) days prior to the date the license
is requested to be effective," the review process is normally completed
within 10 working days and the license is then issued.
What does the City do with the revenue collected
for business licenses?
Revenues generated from the business license program are applied to the cost
of administering the program as well as compliance and enforcement of the various
regulations and restrictions as outlined in the City Code (LOC 20.02). Business
license revenues are deposited into the General Fund to cover all costs associated
with the business license program. This practice is common among other cities,
as the General Fund supports certain vital services that businesses depend heavily
upon (i.e., fire, police, maintenance, etc.).
Additional Information:
In addition to maintaining a current listing of licensed businesses and building
contractors at the permit center counter, the City also provides the Chamber
of Commerce with a copy of all licensed businesses, and frequently helps locate
local businesses for callers.
Other Resources:
Metro Contractor’s Business License Program
(503) 797-1710
www.oregonmetro.gov/cbl
Clackamas County Business and Economic Development
(503) 353-4329
www.clackamas.us/business/
Clackamas Community College Small Business Development Center
(503) 656-4447
www.bizcenter.org
Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce
(503) 636-3634
www.lake-oswego.com
State of Oregon Business Information Center
(503) 986-2222
www.filinginoregon.com/business/index.htm
State of Oregon Corporation Division (registration of a
business name)
(503) 986-2200
www.filinginoregon.com/business/starting_a_business.htm
State of Oregon Contractor's Board
(503) 378-4621
www.ccb.state.or.us
US Small Business Administration (Portland)
(503) 326-2682
www.sba.gov/or
Internal Revenue Service (Portland)
1-800-829-1040 Portland - 503-326-5441
www.irs.gov/localcontacts/article/O,,id=98325,00.html
Federal Identification Number
1-800-829-3676
www.federalpapers.com/overview.php
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